Samsung chief Lee Jae-Yong on trial for bribery

Four other Samsung executives who are also facing trial have also denied wrongdoing. The Samsung chief is accused of giving donations to non-profit foundations operated by Choi Soon-sil, a friend of Ms Park, in exchange for government favours. Mr Lee, also known as Jay Y Lee, is currently vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics. Since his father, Lee Kun-hee, suffered a heart attack in 2014, he is considered de facto boss of the entire Samsung Group conglomerate. Prosecutors have accused Mr Lee of giving donations worth 41bn won to organisations linked to Ms Park's close friend Ms Choi.